Civil society activists in South Sudan have called on the African Union Commission of Inquiry to support a comprehensive arms embargo, which would prevent the government or opposition from buying arms internationally.
“We do not want additional arms to flow into our country. We believe that additional arms will fuel further violence and increase the prospects for protracting the war in South Sudan,” reads a statement by the group.
“We therefore request the Commission of Inquiry to support our call for the imposition of a comprehensive arms embargo on South Sudan.”
The activists explain that such an embargo would require every nation to end the supply of arms, ammunition or military material to South Sudan. A country such as Kenya, for example, should also take measures to prevent transshipment of supplies through its territory.
“If effectively implemented, we believe that an arms embargo would help stop the flow of arms to government and opposition forces, and could play a role in preventing additional human rights and humanitarian law violations and abuses.”
The statement argues against the government’s sovereign right to buy arms on the basis that government forces “have committed serious violations of human rights and international law.”
The activists also point out that there is evidence that legally acquired arms from the government forces have spilled to the opposition forces.
The joint statement was issued in the name of the South Sudan Action Network on Small Arms (SSANSA), South Sudan Law Society, Women Development Group, CEPO, SSuNDE, Youth Out of Poverty and Aids, and several other civil society groups.
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Chinese embassy says ‘no more weapons’ for South Sudan (2 Oct.)